Entry DescriptionMonroe Lake is celebrating World Wetlands Day on Sunday, Feb. 2, with a special morning hike at Stillwater Marsh and an afternoon activity for kids at Paynetown Activity Center.

During the Stillwater Marsh levee hike at 10 a.m., naturalist Jill Vance will lead a walk through Monroe Lake’s most important wildlife management area. A seasonal wetland is created there during winter to attract migrating waterfowl.

“The marsh area is closed to the public from Oct. 1 through April 15, so this 90-minute hike offers a unique opportunity to explore the area,” Vance said.

The 1.75-mile hike will be easy and flat. Vance recommends it for ages 14 and older.

The hike is free but limited to 20 people. Registration is required by Jan. 31 by emailing jvance@dnr.IN.gov with your name, phone number, and number of people in your group.

Directions to the marsh will be provided upon registration.

From 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 2, families can bring their kids to Paynetown State Recreation Area to “Create a Wetland World” at the activity center, which is next to the beach. Kids can color and assemble a collection of 3-D paper animals for their own wetland play set.

The activity is recommended for ages 6 to 12, but younger kids can participate with plenty of adult assistance. Making a basic set of four animals takes about 30 minutes and making a full set of 10 animals takes about 75 minutes.

Vance will also show documentaries about wetlands and wetland animals throughout the afternoon and provide free popcorn.

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